Three Reasons the Lakers Should Re-Sign Jordan Hill

Jan 27, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers center Jordan Hill (27) works the baseline as e is guarded by Washington Wizards forward Nene Hilario (42) during first quarter action at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports

3. He Will Have An Attractive, Expiring Contract at Next Year’s Trade Deadline.

If the Lakers re-sign Hill it will be a one year deal only. His salary is high for the one year, but it allows the team to maintain flexibility for the offseason.The salary for one season won’t matter especially if the team does not attract any top tier free agents this summer for whom they will need to commit their current cap space. Most commentators believe it is a stretch to think the Lakers will sign any of the current free agents who are “max” players like Marc Gasol, LaMarcus Aldridge, or Jimmy Butler (who is restricted). If they do not, they may want to maintain flexibility for next year when Kevin Durant will be a free agent. If he is re-signed this summer, Hill will have an expiring contract thus making him attractive to other teams at next season’s trade deadline.

-== Best Lakers Draft Pick & Free Agent Pairings ==-

In sum, even if the Lakers improve as everyone hopes, Hill can be a good player in a reserve role on a solid team.  He provides flexibility in that he can play both center and power forward, and his one year expiring contract means he can be traded next winter for another asset that can help the team long-term. These factors make it tempting for the Lakers to pick up the team-option on Hill in the next month.